The National Association of Realtors indicates home values are on the rise… with home prices up by 11.6%.

Sales prices are rising… as inventory drops.

Vacant lots that were listed for sale years back (then taken off the market during the housing crisis: 2006-2011) are now sporting “for sale” signs … and construction projects are springing up everywhere in South Florida (condo buildings/single family homes).

Flipping is back.

So … which are the best markets for flipping? According to RealtyTrac, the top markets are Orlando, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; Tucson, Arizona; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

It’s not just enough to scoop up a distress sale and flip it outright. The best return on investment comes from properties needing work (whether cosmetic or structural) … and what’s key is being able to pinpoint what needs upgrading, and then making money off the sweat equity.